Slide fastener

ABSTRACT

A slide fastener whose rows of interlocking plastic elements are of the folded-manner type, in which one set of leg portions is longer than the other set, and in which the precise spacing of the elements in each row is maintained by a strip of plastic extending along the row between the short and long legs of each element and fastened to the joining portions of the filament constituting the row which connects the short legs.

United States Patent Maisenbacher SLIDE FASTENER [72] Inventor: Dieter Maisenbacher, Stuttgart-Birkach, Germany [73] Assignee: Dr. Karl F. Nagele Feinmaschinenbau, Stuttgart-Hohenheim, Germany [22] Filed: Dec. 21, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 100,284

[52] US. Cl. ...24/205.l3 C, 24/205.16 C, 24/205.15 [51] Int. Cl. ..A44b 19/10, A44b 19/26 [58] Field of Search.24/205.1 C, 205.13 C, 205.16 C

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,484,906 12/1969 Yoshida ..24/205.l3 C 3,149,387 9/1964 Ruhrmann ..24/205.13 C 3,015,868 l/1962 Ruhrmann ..24/205.l3 C

[ 51 Sept. 19, 1972 3,588,967 6/1971 Speck ..24/205. 1 6 C FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 709,551 5/1965 Canada ..24/205.16 620,331 3/1969 Great Britain ..24/205. 1 3 C 575,938 4/1958 Italy ..24/205.13 C 110,777 4/1961 Pakistan ..24/205.l3 C

Primary Examiner-Bernard A. Gelak Attorney-Kelman and Herman [5 7] ABSTRACT A slide fastener whose rows of interlocking plastic elements are of the folded-manner type, in which one set of leg portions is longer than the other set, and in which the precise spacing of the elements in each row is maintained by a strip of plastic extending along the row between the short and long legs of each element and fastened to the joining portions of the filament constituting the row which connects the short legs.

10 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures P'A'TENTEDszm m2 3.691, 599

sum 1 or 2 INVENTOR:

0/02 Md/seh bacl er I BYI ma. 6mm

AGE/yrs- SLIDE FASTENER This invention relates to slide fasteners, and particularly to slide fasteners whose two interengaged rows of locking elements are constituted by a continuous length of plastic filament first bent into a flat meander shape and thereafter folded along aline longitudinal of the meander.

Slide fastener elements of the folded meander type may be attached to a supporting element, such as a-tape or an edge of a garment by sewing threads which pass over the filament sections. It is very difficult in such a fastener to maintain the precise spacing of the integrally connected elements and simultaneously to maintain flexibility which is essential to the smooth functioning of the fastener.

An object of the invention is the provision of a slide fastener of the folded meander type in which the precise spacing of the locking elements may be established prior to attaching the elements to a supporting element and maintained during the useful life of the fastener without impairing the flexibility of the fastener or the tilting movement of each element required for smooth engagement and disengagement.

In making the fasteners of the invention, the meander originally prepared from a continuous length of plastic filament is folded along a longitudinal line which is offset from the center line of the meander so that each element has a longer first leg and a shorter second leg, the legs being partly coextensive longitudinally, and a part of the longer leg projecting beyond the shorter leg in a direction away from the head portion which connects the two legs in each element.

In at least one of the two rows of elements, the precise spacing of the elements, and more particularly of the head portions, is maintained by an elongated spacing member which extends along the row and is received in each element between the coextensive parts of the two legs, the width of the spacing member longitudinally of the receiving legs being substantially smaller than the length of the longer leg, and not substantially greater than that of the short leg. The spacing member is fastened to each locking element over an area which is substantially shorter in the direction of leg elongation than the short leg. While the head spacing of the locking elements is thereby maintained, tilting of individual elements is not interfered with.

Other features, additional objects, and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will readily become apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments when considered in connection with the appended drawing in which:

FIG. 1 shows the interengaged tows of locking elements in a slide fastener of the invention in plan view;

FIG. 2 shows one of the element rows in the device of FIG. 1 in side elevation;

FIG. 3 illustrates the device of FIG. 1 in front elevational section on the line Ill-lll;

FIG. 4 shows a modification of the device of FIG. 1 in a view corresponding to that of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 shows the fastener of FIG. 1 with its slider and mounted in a garment, the view being in front elevation and partly in section as in FIG. 3; i

FIG. 6 illustrates another mounting method for the fastener of FIG. 5; and

FIG. 7 shows a different slider in the fastener of FIG. 5 and a modified mounting method. Referring now to the drawing in detail, and initially to FIGS. 1 to 3, there is seen a slide fastener of the invention without its slider and end stops. The two interengaged, identical rows of locking elements each consist of a continuous length of plastic filament, such as nylon, which forms a folded meander. As is inherent in the method of manufacturing the elements, longitudinally consecutive sections of the filament in each element constitute an arcuate first joining portion 3, an elongated, practically straight first leg portion 1, a laterally enlarged head portion 5, a second elongated leg portion 2, and another arcuate joining portion 4, the joining portions 3, 4 being each common to two consecutive elements.

As shown in the drawing, the leg portions 1, 2 and the head portion 5 of each element extend in a common plan perpendicular to the direction of fastener elongation. When the fastener is positioned on a flat surface, as is implied in FIG. 1, all leg portions 1, which are longer than the leg portions 2 and all joining portions 3 of a row extend in a second common plane, while the shorter leg portions 2 and the associated joining portions 4 extend in a third common plane spacedly parallel to the second plane and perpendicular to the several first-mentioned planes of the individual elements. It will be appreciated that the described and illustrated alignments are substantially duplicated in fasteners made under production conditions, but not necessarily with the precision shown in the drawing.

A part of each longer leg 1 in each element projects longitudinally beyond the associated leg 2, and beyond a strip 6 of plastic, preferably also nylon, which extends along each row of elements and is received between the longitudinally coextensive parts of the legs 1, 2 in each element. The necessary precise spacing of the head portions 5 is maintained in each row of elements by a spot of adhesive 7 which fixes the strip 6 to each joining portion 4 and to a part of each leg I which is as far from the head portions 5 as are the joining portions 4, as is best seen in FIG. 3. The area over which each spot 7 extends is much shorter, longitudinally of the legs I, 2, than the shorter leg 2. Because of this arrangement, the adhesive spots 7-provide a pivot for each element permitting the limited tilting motion of the element which is necessary for engagement and disengagement of the elements by a slider, not shown in FIGS. 1 to 3.

The rows of elements, when connected by the strip 6 in proper spaced relationship, may be separated and separately fastened to a supporting tape or directly to edges of garments without risk of element misalignment when the fastener is later pulled up by means of a slider. The projecting parts of the longer legs 1 are conveniently available for sewing or otherwise fastening the rows of elements to the supporting fabric. A notch 10 is provided in the face of each leg 1 directed toward the common plane of the legs 2 for abuttingly securing one or more loops of sewing thread against longitudinal movement relative to the leg 1, as will be described with reference to FIG. 5.

The strip also assists in maintaining the shape of each element, and particularly in maintaining the spacing of the aforementioned parallel planes of the legs 1 and 2. This function may be assumed at least in part by a separate element as is shown in FIG. 4. The fastener shown differs from that of FIG. 3 in being provided with a spacing member which is a :narrow cord or string 8 of plastic fastened to the joining portions 4 and-the legs 1 by adhesive spots 7, as described with reference to the strip 6 in FIG. 3. While the width of the strip 6 is slightly smaller than the length of the leg 2, the corresponding dimension of the cord or string 8 is only a small fraction of that of the leg 2, and space is provided for an elongated supporting member 9 of textile material, such as a fastener cord of small cross section, to be received in each element between the spacing member 8 and the head portion 5, the cord 9 extending along each row of locking elements in the manner of the strip 6 as shown in FIG. 1 and being clamped in position by the legs 1, 2.

While the bond 7 has been described as a spot of adhesive, it will be appreciated that the spacing members 6, 8 may also be welded or heat sealed to the filament sections forming the leg portions 1 and the joining portions 4, and the bond 7 is equally illustrative of such a spot weld, the welding method being limited to spacing members of a thermoplastic material compatible with the material of the fastener elements proper.

When the locking elements made of thermoplastic synthetic resin composition and the strip 6 are loosely assembled without adhesive in the relative positions shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, and if the assembly is thereafter passed through a field of ultrasonic radiation, the plastic components are heated at the points of contact and welded to each other. Welding may also be achieved if the strip 6 is not solid, but of braided construction and at least some of the fibers in the braid are made of suitable thermoplastic resin composition such as nylon or polyester. A braided strip may also partly consist of metallic filaments which may be heated by the passage of electricity to weld nylon filaments in the strip to the locking elements. Conductors, of course, may also be embedded in the illustrated strip 6, and the spacing member 8 may be modified in the same manner as described above with reference to the strip 6.

FIG. 5 shows the element rows of FIGS. 1 to 3 assembled with a slider 11 and mounted on top of respective edge portions l3, 14 of a garment, not otherwise shown, by means of a hemmed seam of sewing stitches 15. The two halves of the slider 11 ride on opposite faces of the legs 1 during opening and closing of the fastener, and the rails or flanges on the upper slider half, which envelope the legs 2, are laterally guided by engagement with the joining portions 4. The slider does not rub against the sewing threads 15, and the relatively vulnerable strip 6 is equally protected against wear by being confined entirely between the leg portions of each element.

If it is desired partly to conceal the fastener elements, the legs 1 may be sewn to the inner face of the fabric edges, as shown in FIG. 6. To provide proper anchorage for the sewing threads, the position of the notches 10 is shifted so that they are directed away from the common plane of the legs 2.

If it is desired to bring the fabric edges 13, 14 closer together when the fastener is closed or pulled up, the fastener elements are sewn to the top side of the fabric, as in FIG. 5, and the slider 11' assembled with the elements is of a type in which the bottom plate 12' is much narrower than the opposite or top plate, and actually narrower in width than the combined width of the locking elements as measured across the joining portions 4 of the engaged elements.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing disclosure relates only to preferred embodiments of the invention, and that it is intended to cover all changes and modifications of the examples of the invention herein chosen for the purpose of the disclosure which do not constitute departures from the spirit and scope of the invention set forth in the appended claims.

What is claimedis:

1. In a slide fastener including two interengaged, elongated rows of locking elements, the elements of each row being constituted by a continuous length of plastic filament forming a folded meander, respective, longitudinally consecutive sections of said filament in each element constituting a first joining portion, a first elongated leg portion, a head portion, a second elongated leg portion, and a second joining portions, said joining portions being common to two consecutive elements in said row, the leg portions and the head portion of each element extending substantially in a first common plane transverse to the direction of elongation of the row, and the row being capable of being positioned so that said first leg portions and said first joining portions of the elements in said row extend in a second common plane, and said second leg portions and said second joining portions of the elements in said row extend in a third plane longitudinal of said row and substantially parallel to said second plane, the improvement which comprises:

a. said first leg portions in one of said rows being longer than said second leg portions, the first leg portion of each element in said one row having a part longitudinally coextensive with the second leg portion, and a part projecting beyond said second leg portion,

. abutment means on said projecting parts for securing a sewing thread against longitudinal movement relative to said first leg portions,

. an elongated spacing member extending along said one row and received in each element between said coextensive part of the first leg portion and said second leg portion,

. the width of said spacing member longitudinally of the receiving leg portions being substantially smaller than the length of said first leg portions in said one row and not substantially greater than the length of said second leg portions,

. said spacing member being fixedly fastened to each element over an area substantially shorter in the direction of leg elongation than said second leg portion and nearer to said second joining portions than to said head portions.

2. In a slide fastener as set forth in claim 1, a slider having two plate portions and movably receiving said interengaged rows between said plate portions, two flanges on one of said plate portions respectively engaging the second joining portions of said rows during movement of the slider along said rows, said one plate portion and said flanges enveloping the second leg portions of the locking elements received between said plate portions.

3. In a slide fastener as set forth in claim 2, said rows being substantially identical.

4. In a slide fastener as set forth in claim 2, the other plate portion being spaced from said flanges and having a width smaller than the combined width of said rows as measured over said second joining portions of the two engaged rows.

5. In a slide fastener as set forth in claim 1, said projecting parts being formed with respective notches open transversely to the direction of elongation of the respective first leg portions, respective faces of said first leg portions in said notches constituting said securing means.

6. In a slide fastener as set forth in claim 1, an elongated supporting member extending along said one row and received in each element between said leg portions of the same, said supporting member being interposed between said spacing member and the head portion in each element.

7. In a slide fastener as set forth in claim 1, a layer of adhesive interposed between said spacing member and a plurality of said elements in each of said areas for fixedly fastening said spacing member to the elements.

8. In a slide fastener as set forth in claim 1, a weld connecting said spacing member to a plurality of said elements in each of said areas for fixedly fastening said spacing member to the elements.

9. In a slide fastener as set forth in claim 8, said spacing member consisting of a synthetic resin composition.

10. in a slide fastener as set forth in claim 1, said spacing member being directly fastened to said second joining portions. 

1. In a slide fastener including two interengaged, elongated rows of locking elements, the elements of each row being constituted by a contiNuous length of plastic filament forming a folded meander, respective, longitudinally consecutive sections of said filament in each element constituting a first joining portion, a first elongated leg portion, a head portion, a second elongated leg portion, and a second joining portions, said joining portions being common to two consecutive elements in said row, the leg portions and the head portion of each element extending substantially in a first common plane transverse to the direction of elongation of the row, and the row being capable of being positioned so that said first leg portions and said first joining portions of the elements in said row extend in a second common plane, and said second leg portions and said second joining portions of the elements in said row extend in a third plane longitudinal of said row and substantially parallel to said second plane, the improvement which comprises: a. said first leg portions in one of said rows being longer than said second leg portions, the first leg portion of each element in said one row having a part longitudinally coextensive with the second leg portion, and a part projecting beyond said second leg portion, b. abutment means on said projecting parts for securing a sewing thread against longitudinal movement relative to said first leg portions, c. an elongated spacing member extending along said one row and received in each element between said coextensive part of the first leg portion and said second leg portion, d. the width of said spacing member longitudinally of the receiving leg portions being substantially smaller than the length of said first leg portions in said one row and not substantially greater than the length of said second leg portions, e. said spacing member being fixedly fastened to each element over an area substantially shorter in the direction of leg elongation than said second leg portion and nearer to said second joining portions than to said head portions.
 2. In a slide fastener as set forth in claim 1, a slider having two plate portions and movably receiving said interengaged rows between said plate portions, two flanges on one of said plate portions respectively engaging the second joining portions of said rows during movement of the slider along said rows, said one plate portion and said flanges enveloping the second leg portions of the locking elements received between said plate portions.
 3. In a slide fastener as set forth in claim 2, said rows being substantially identical.
 4. In a slide fastener as set forth in claim 2, the other plate portion being spaced from said flanges and having a width smaller than the combined width of said rows as measured over said second joining portions of the two engaged rows.
 5. In a slide fastener as set forth in claim 1, said projecting parts being formed with respective notches open transversely to the direction of elongation of the respective first leg portions, respective faces of said first leg portions in said notches constituting said securing means.
 6. In a slide fastener as set forth in claim 1, an elongated supporting member extending along said one row and received in each element between said leg portions of the same, said supporting member being interposed between said spacing member and the head portion in each element.
 7. In a slide fastener as set forth in claim 1, a layer of adhesive interposed between said spacing member and a plurality of said elements in each of said areas for fixedly fastening said spacing member to the elements.
 8. In a slide fastener as set forth in claim 1, a weld connecting said spacing member to a plurality of said elements in each of said areas for fixedly fastening said spacing member to the elements.
 9. In a slide fastener as set forth in claim 8, said spacing member consisting of a synthetic resin composition.
 10. In a slide fastener as set forth in claim 1, said spacing member being directly fastened to said second joining portions. 